Camping options near Anamosa span across three Iowa counties with access to both the Wapsipinicon and Cedar Rivers. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 700-900 feet above sea level with wooded terrain along river corridors. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 85-90°F from June through August and moderate rainfall averaging 3-4 inches monthly during camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide direct river access. At Spruce Creek Park, visitors can fish the Mississippi. "You can see them throughout the entire park. There's fishing, exploring, a playground, and when you see a paddleboat you have time to drive to town before it hits loch & damn #12," notes one camper.
Explore local attractions: Amana RV Park & Event Center serves as a base for exploring the historic Amana Colonies. "This is a great location right in the Amana Colonies to explore the area. There are sites for tents up to big rigs," explains one visitor who used the campground to explore the area's German heritage.
Water activities: Paddling and boating are popular seasonal activities. "The owners had a super efficient hygiene protocol to get you to your spot. Campground is a nice bike ride away from the Amana villages and overall a great base camp," reports a visitor who used Amana RV Park as a launching point for regional exploration.
What campers like
Riverfront settings: Many campers appreciate direct access to waterways. At Off Shore RV Park, "Resort has many options: even camp sites, 4 villas, resort inn rooms. Sites have hard surfaces, fire rings, water, electric... Boat ramp nearby, resort has restaurant, playground, water park."
Amenities for children: Family-friendly features receive positive reviews. "Great place, loads of stuff for kids (putt putt, paddle boats, horseshoes, basketball, Gaga, trampoline, playground)," writes a camper about Beyonder Getaway at Lazy Acres, highlighting its recreational offerings.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms are consistently mentioned. "Bathrooms are clean and lots of warm water for showers. Great place for a night or two. Near the highway but road noise is minimal," notes a Beyonder Getaway visitor who appreciated the campground's cleanliness standards.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks affect some campgrounds. At Blanding Landing, "Quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house. Boat ramp, dock fishing, tall trees all over. Shady sites, water pump faucets, dump station. Our first night here the many trains were loud and woke us up."
Variable site conditions: Levelness varies considerably. "Most sites had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," explains a visitor to Rustic Barn Campground about their site quality.
Weather considerations: The region receives significant rainfall in spring and early summer. "When our camp was destroyed the next night from the storm - not one person came to see if we were ok," reports a camper at Spruce Creek Park, highlighting the need for proper storm preparation when camping in this area.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible accommodations: Some rv parks near Anamosa offer specialized sites. "It's right next to the showers with an adapted pic-nic table and raised fire pit! We were there 4 nights and added on an extra because we enjoyed it so much," writes a visitor to Beyonder Getaway who traveled with a child in a wheelchair.
Indoor alternatives: For rainy days, look for campgrounds with indoor recreational facilities. "Nice rec room with TV, games, books, soft seating, pinball, ping pong, and pool table. Outdoor games set-up on the grass like Cornhole, croquet, etc," explains a camper about the alternative activities available at Rustic Barn Campground RV Park.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer pools for summer cooling. "The kids loved the huge pool," notes a visitor to Interstate RV Park, highlighting an important amenity for families camping during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many Anamosa area RV sites require stabilizing equipment. "All had gravel driveways and looked level. Decent separation between sites although they are close together, as would be expected in an RV park," observes a Rustic Barn camper.
Winter accessibility: Limited year-round camping options exist. "One of the few places around Cedar Rapids that is open in winter. 35$/night. Management is pleasant," reports a visitor to Sudbury Court Motel & RV Park, providing rare information about cold-weather camping options.
Road surface quality: Access roads vary significantly. "Huge potholes $55 night on old gravel spots. Close to interstate so that is plus," notes a camper about Interstate RV Park, highlighting the importance of checking road conditions when selecting an Anamosa area campground for RV travel.
